Governor Cuomo announces additional road closures as extreme weather continues in Western and Central New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today gave an update on road closures in Central and Western New York as extreme weather, including low temperatures and high winds continue throughout the region.

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Wayne Post

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Posted Jan. 7, 2014 at 10:21 AM

Posted Jan. 7, 2014 at 10:21 AM

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today gave an update on road closures in Central and Western New York as extreme weather, including low temperatures and high winds continue throughout the region.

“With frigid temperatures and high winds throughout Western and Central New York, I am urging New Yorkers in the area to stay home today.” Governor Cuomo said. “Anyone who must travel should exercise extreme caution. We are closing these roadways as a precaution to ensure the safety of all motorists. I urge New Yorkers to monitor news reports for any updates, and check on their neighbors and loved ones regularly.”

The New York State Thruway in Western New York remains closed due to extreme winter weather conditions.

The New York State Department of Transportation has also closed several roads in Western New York. NY Route 219 is closed in both directions between NY Route 39 in Springville and I-90 in Lackawanna. Additionally, NY Route 400 is closed in both directions from NY Route 16 in East Aurora to Seneca Street in West Seneca, NY Route 75 is closed in both directions from NY Route 62 to NY Route 249 and NY Route 5 (Buffalo Skyway) is closed in both directions between I-190 and Tifft Street.

This morning, State Police will be escorting 38 trucks currently stranded at the Angola Service Area, west to the Pennsylvania state line via the Thruway (I-90).

In Central New York, I-81 has been closed in both directions between exit 31 and exit 45.

The Thruway between Exit 55 (Route 219/Lackawanna/Springville/Orchard Park/West Seneca) and Exit 61 (Shortman Road, Ripley) was closed to all traffic at 7:30 p.m. on January 6. Westbound traffic on the Thruway continues to be detoured off the roadway at Exit 50 (I-290 west), with all eastbound traffic being detoured off at Exit 61 (Shortman Road, Ripley).

Motorists to Pennsylvania and points west should exit the Thruway at exit 46 (Henrietta) to I-390 southbound and then to I-86 westbound into Pennsylvania. Eastbound travelers in Pennsylvania should exit at I-86 eastbound and then continue north on I-390 to the Thruway in Henrietta.

All closures will remain in place until further notice and motorists are encouraged to refrain from traveling during this winter weather event.

The Thruway Authority has 79 plows and 213 operators responding to the storm, including some plows and operators that have been brought in from other Thruway divisions. In addition to the large truck-mounted snow blowers, ATVs and snowmobiles based in Western New York and mobilized for storm response, additional snow blowers and snowmobiles have also been relocated to the area for use as needed during the storm.

The State has nearly 73,000 tons of road salt on-hand in the Buffalo area, along with a significant quantity of liquid magnesium chloride, which is also used to treat roadways and prevent icy conditions.

Page 2 of 2 - The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has 170 plows and 455 operators in the region to address storm conditions.